Convert IBP to MDF

Understanding IBP and MDF file formats

IBP files are InterBase Database Partial Backup files, typically used as part of a backup set for Borland InterBase or Firebird databases. They are not standalone database files but rather segments of a full backup, often accompanied by IBK or IBQ files.

MDF files are Microsoft SQL Server Database files. These are the primary data files for SQL Server databases, containing schema and data.

Can you convert IBP to MDF directly?

There is no direct conversion from IBP to MDF because they are used by different database systems with distinct architectures. Instead, you must restore the IBP backup to an InterBase or Firebird database, then migrate the data to SQL Server, which will create an MDF file.

Step-by-step process to migrate from IBP to MDF

1. Restore the IBP backup using InterBase or Firebird tools to reconstruct the original database.
2. Export the data from the restored database, typically to a format like CSV or SQL dump.
3. Import the exported data into Microsoft SQL Server using tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or the Import and Export Wizard.

Recommended software for the conversion process

• InterBase/Firebird tools: Use IBExpert or FlameRobin to restore IBP backups and export data.
• Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): For importing data and managing the MDF file.
• DBConvert: A commercial tool that can automate migration from Firebird/InterBase to SQL Server.

Summary of the conversion workflow

To move from IBP to MDF, you must:

• Restore the IBP backup to a live InterBase/Firebird database.
• Export the data to a compatible format.
• Import the data into SQL Server, which will generate the MDF file.

There is no one-click converter for this process due to the differences in database engines.